Rania
Restaurant · Downtown
427 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Highlights
Inventive Indian cuisine in an opulent, chandelier-lit setting
Inventive Indian cuisine in an opulent, chandelier-lit setting
"The opulent Penn Quarter space that formerly housed Punjab Grill reopened in 2022 as a luxe new Indian restaurant that holds a Michelin star. Rania, which means “Queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit, offers a multi-course dinner of inventive Indian cuisine goes way beyond the expected (as in dishes like aged duck breast vindaloo or lamb shank accented with black cardamon). Its four-course menu ($90) joins theatrical cocktails and bites at its dazzling Sundowner Bar. The ‘Sheesh Mahal’ — a palace-of-mirrors private dining room hidden to the side — is a prime place to splurge." - Tierney Plumb
"Ultra-luxurious Punjabi Grill turned into Rania in 2022, with the elevated Indian spot earning its Michelin star only a year later. Chef Chetan Shetty’s four-course pre fixe ($90), three course brunch ($55), and chef’s tasting menu ($175) showcase inventive Indian cuisine that goes way beyond the expected. Entrees include homemade paneer accented by spring peas and pecorino or beef short ribs with saffron nihari, charred broccoli rabe, and pickled mustard. Brunch includes some of the same dishes, along with reinvented breakfast dishes, like a lamb shoulder masala eggs Benedict. For dinner, diners can also add on cocktails or wine pairings ($65 for the prix fixe, $125 for the tasting menu) with April Busch — previously of NYC’s two-Michelin star restaurant Atera — leading the wine program." - Emily Venezky
"Choosing Rania for date night will make you look like you know your stuff. The lights are low, Indian jazz music plays, the food is special enough to talk about for months after the meal—and it won't feel overpriced. The $90 pre-fixe menu rotates seasonally, with dishes like a creamy pork loin vindaloo with pieces of crunchy belly, or spicy shrimp koliwada with sweet pepper chutney we scrape up until it’s gone." - tristiana hinton
"Choosing Rania for date night will make you look like you know your sh*t. The lights are low, Indian jazz music plays, and the food is special enough to talk about for months after the meal—but it won't feel overpriced. The $90 pre-fixe menu rotates seasonally, with dishes like a creamy pork loin vindaloo with pieces of crunchy belly, or spicy shrimp koliwada with sweet pepper chutney we scrape up until it’s gone. photo credit: Nina Palazzolo photo credit: Nina Palazzolo photo credit: Nina Palazzolo photo credit: Nina Palazzolo photo credit: Nina Palazzolo" - Tristiaña Hinton
"This fine dining concept seems fit for a queen, and good thing too, since Rania translates to 'queen' in Hindi and Sanskrit. Chef Chetan Shetty delivers something entirely enticing here with his inventive menu. There are plenty of contemporary touches along with a few surprises (think braised pork belly vindalooo). Dishes like shiso leaf chaat balance a playful spirit with elegant overtones, while ghee-roasted lamb folded inside a delicate lentil cheela has a spicy kick that is tempered with a buttermilk mousse. Finally, a slightly sweet strained yogurt mousse with a hint of pistachio and cardamom is the perfect finale. Cocktails are designed to complement the rich, bold flavors." - MICHELIN Guide
